The First Race Day!

Saturday August 26, was the first race day.  It started in the morning with the Senior Classic TT Race.

Here is what the course looks like:

We were watching at Cronk y Voddy (#11), which allows for a fabulous view of the racers speeding up the hill at full throttle, running at  about 160 miles per hour.

Take a look at #2 Jamie Coward and 15 time TT winner #3 Michael Dunlop charge up the hill!

One of my favourite competitors is Maria Costello, a 20 year veteran racer, who is a 'Member of the British Empire', and well-known racer...she was running in third place for most of this race, but, very close to the end, she was passed and came in 4th.  Great job Maria!

After 152 miles and 4 laps, the winner was
 Australian champion and past British Superbike champion, Josh Brookes

After a lunch break, (no, you really don't want to see my chicken sandwich), we watched the Lightweight Classic TT.

Here are the first 2 off the starting gate, #1 Ian Lougher and winner,
setting a new lap record of 120 mph for a 250cc motorcycle,  #2 'Kiwi' Bruce Anstey

Hot on Bruce's heels is 15 times TT winner Irishman superstar, Michael Dunlop

Here is the winner, Bruce Anstey, on his final victory lap!

At the end of our day enjoying the high speed chases down the road, we headed to Port Erin for supper at The Station

A very cheesy lasagne

Fish & Chips

Cheesecake

Sticky Toffee pudding

A visit with the animals tomorrow

First night of practice at the Classic TT

The main focus over the next 2 weeks is the motorcycle racing.  Even the most seasoned riders need to re-familiarize themselves with the 

37 3/4 mile course around the island.

We headed to our favourite viewing spot, 'Harold's Farm', near Greeba.  93 year old Harold lets any spectator who wishes, come to his farm and stand in his front garden or lean over the wall in his field to watch the racers whiz by.  Every year I look forward to seeing how large the sunflower is in his garden.

The most coveted viewing spot in the garden, is an elevated ledge against the garage which allows you to get a better angle as the riders come around the turn.  Harold reserves that spot for his friends, so I was honoured that he allowed me up there to take some snaps.

Michael Dunlop,a prohibitive favourite to be a winner - 1100 Suzuki

Masayuki Yamanaka on a 600 Honda has close company

Dean Harrison, a front runner, on a 750 Kawasaki

 

Andrew Dudgeon - 600 Suzuki, David Lumsden 600 Honda

 Safe ride guys.....

350cc Classic, F1 & F2 races around the Island

I can't complain that there wasn't enough racing.

With so many great vantage points to watch from, we chose Hillberry for the 350cc classic, so we could watch the bikes scream down the hill at 

140 mph from Creg-ny-Baa.

 They then have a sharp turn beore heading towards the finish line,

 a few miles away.

Although the 350cc race was postponed for many hours, due to technical issues with the communication system between the marshal points, they did manage to get in the Formula 1 & 2 race.  We hoofed it over the paddock to mingle with riders and bikes as they were preparing themselves for the race.

Michael Dunlop gets interviewed for a TV show

...and his Brother, William, chatting with his crew

 The riders get into line, waiting for the 'tap' on their shoulder sending them down Bray Hill

What a surprise, Michael Dunlop takes the finish and burns some rubber for the fans waiting at the winners paddock

Michael giving his winning interview

 I was so touched by the third place winner, who broke into tears 

Ryan Farquhar

Racing done, home for Italian....yum!

Stay tuned for the Laxey woolen mill and a visit to Peel

At last - Practice laps @ the IOM Classic TT

The main reasons we are here at the Isle of Man is to soak in the complete atmosphere of all things 'racing'.  Due to poor weather and incidents on the track, very little practice has taken place.  Low and behold, the skies cleared, the sun shone and away they went.  One of our favourite places to watch is on the church grounds of Kirk Braddan.

This post is dedicated to V-Star Lady who has been disappointed that there have been no racing pictures so far.
Here you go.....

The man to beat! Michael Dunlop - 1100 Suzuki

Russ Mountford - 750 Kawasaki

Michael Rutter - 500 Seeley

James Hillier - 750 Kawasaki -podium winner at 2014 classic F1 race

David Johnson - 1100 Suzuki and Gary Johnson - 500 MV Agusta (TT star!)

Mark Miller - 750 Kawasaki and Lee Johnston - 1100 Suzuki (established TT star)

Mark Herbertson - 500 Matchless and James Coward - 500 Honda

Oliver Linsdell - 750 Yamaha - past winner of the 500 classic 2013

Alan Oversby - 500 Honda

Allan Brew - 500 Seeley

My favourite (and only female competitor)....Maria Costelllo - 500 Paton

David Madsen-Mygdal - 750 Honda, Nick Jefferies - 750 Suzuki & Timothee Monot - 750 Honda

 My post would not be complete without the obligitory food porn....
Home made burgers sealed the day!

 

On the Grid for race day!

Earlier I mentioned that we were treated to All Access Grid Passes....

Well, here it is!

It gave me the opportunity to be with the racers as they were getting ready to start AND to be on the starting line with them.  What a treat!

I have never raced, but I can imagine that getting your mind and body ready for it must take considerable stamina.  There are very few female racers, but Maria Costello has proven herself over many times.  I almost felt like I was intruding while I watched her stretch before heading to the start line.

 I snapped Michael Dunlop through a series of events during this race.

.....talking to his crew before getting to the starting line....

...and leaving pit lane, looking disappointed, when his bike broke down...

Not everyone had a bad race......and off they go....

Here is what it looks like live...

K was in his element - never did he ever think he would be rubbing shoulders with such brave riders. It was a teenage dream come true!

These 3 handsome fellas were relaxing before their start.  

Keep your eye on the one to the right!

Once the race got underway, we moved to pit lane to watch the racers come in for more fuel

 Once topped up, off they go.....

The culmination of a thrilling day was being close enough to snap all the winners along with the pros!

A well deserved hug

Remember # 2??

The Ramsey 'sprints' (drag racing) up next!